Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-12-10

Total. 2,2oo u, 23f
ApJUrANr GrNERAL's DEPARTMENT.
In the pension branch of the Adjutant-
Generals office there has been efficient work
on the part of the clerical force. The num-
Der of unanswered calls from the Pension
office on hand Oct. |, 1886, was 80 $40; re-
ceived during the year 1863 ,0lj, making to-
tai of 22i .9Gl ; finished during the year 1913,
4Os, leaving on hand oct. |, 1897, 81 .553.
During December, 1896, the number of calls
increased and by extra work at first voun-
tccrcd. and afterwards enforced by order of
the Secretary of War the number of unan-
swcrcd calls was reduced by nearly 10000
cases The Adjutant- General says, THE
prompt and cheerful response of the clerks
and the energy. zeal, and fidelity exhibited
by them entitle them to high commentator. "
QUARrERMAsrER's DEPARTMENT.
The balances from former years in the
Treasury to the credit of this department on
June 80. 1886, amounted to Sill ,sS3.2l.
The appropriation for the last fiscal year was
$40, $50 $50 81, of which 81 400 ,239 IS was
in the treasury on June 80, 1887.
PAY DErARrMENr.
During the past year the disbursements of
the Pay Department of the Army amounted
over the sum paid out during the previous
year. arising from the settlement of the
claims for back pay and bounty brought by
the soldiers of the late war.
TmE CHEF SIGNAL OFFICER.
On March 3, 1897, Capt A. W. Greedy. of
the Fifth Cavalry, was appointed to the Office
of Chief Signal officer, made vacant by the
death of Brig. Gen. William b. Hazen.
The system of special display stations has
been revised and the expenses reduced.
There are now 90 special stations in addition
to 80 regular stations on the sea coast and the
Great Lakes The excellence of this work
has been impaired by the necessity of en-
ploying new men insutticiently trained, A
deficiency estimate for cost of furniture re-
quired at these stations is renewed, and again
recommended
The Geographic lines belonging to the
United States have, in addition to services
rendered the government paid into the
treasury S. 070 81, and the value of free
business transacted amounts to SIS 6s5 "a
The military Geographic lines have prov ed to
be not only useful, but in many cases indis-
pensable to the Army, and every effort has
been made to keep Thorn in good order. Es-
Inmates have been reduced. as some of the
lines have been abandoned. The sea-coast
telegrapbic lines between Nantucket Island
and the mainland Hatteras and Norfolk,
Wilmington and Southport Narragansett Pier
and Block Island are all in good order. The
lines on the Pacific coast have been unser-
viceable during much of the year from lack
of money TO keep them in repair,
THs STATUE OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD.
Under authority conferred by the act of
July :. 1854 the Commission. having selec-
ted the site at the intersection of Maryland
avenue and First street. southwest, placed
thereon the statue of the late President James
Abram Garfield. On the 18th of May. 1887,
in the presence of the President, the statue
was unveiled with suitable ceremonies
The TRoUBLr WITH CouoRow.
In Colorado, near the Uncompahgre Reser-
vation. serious difficulty occurred in August
last between the civil authorities and the
militia of the State on the one side, and
band of Ute Indians on the other, under Col
GROW, leading to no serious consequences. ex-
cept causing loss of life and property and an
increased bitterness of feeling between the
whites and the Indians.
From the report of General Crook il APP
pc ars that the Indians were off their reser-
walton. with their iocks and herds, in Gar
field County. Colo, and the trouble arose
from an attemp, to arrest some of them,
charged with stealing horses and violating the
game laws of the State. The sheriff and
game warden of the county each summoned
posse to assist in making the arrests. The
warden, with his posse, surprised the Ute
camp on the North Fc-k of White River. and
without any notice of his purpose seized
several Indians The latter attempted to get
their weapons. and while breaking AWAY and
running for cover were fired on by the posse.
and three were wounded. The warden tben
retired, joined forces with the sheriff
who with his posse had started to make
arrests party was sent by the sheriff to |
an Indian camp on Coal Creek. occupied bv |